By Ron Marshall Water contamination is a frustrating problem with compressed air systems.  When you have water forming in your piping system, it is amazing how the liquid can seemingly form in both high spots and low areas. Often water problems are caused by another issue, heat.  Compressed air leaving a compressor may overload the […]

Air compressors create heat, and lots of it.  If this heat is not properly removed, then problems will occur in a compressed air system. Over-temperature shutdowns and failed air dryers are common symptoms of improper cooling. It is important to choose your compressor cooling method wisely and to ensure whatever media you choose is suitable to […]

Compressed air receivers have many uses in a compressed air system and one is to protect against pulse loads.  In fact, these devices, if installed properly, can be used to enhance pulse loads like dust collector cleaning operations. A common problem with dust collectors that use reverse pulse compressed air cleaning is the lack of […]

By Ron Marshall A compressed air system used for engine start duty needed a new air compressor. The old unit had been troublesome and it was difficult to get parts. The purchasing department was asked for quotes for a new unit and obtained three bids from various suppliers. In comparing the prices for the replacement, the […]

By Ron Marshall One of the most common ways to waste compressed air is to use it for blowing dust or debris.  Compressed air is often directed at equipment to clean the dust that has settled on the surfaces. But when you think about it, reintroducing this dust into the atmosphere, only to settle on […]

A rail yard purchased and installed a 100-hp variable speed drive compressor for supply of maintenance activities in their repair shop — and to supply air to the yard to charge train  braking systems.  They did everything right, purchasing a large storage receiver, desiccant dryer with dew point control, oversized filters, and a pressure/flow controller […]

Dry compressed air is so very important to the operation of a compressed air system. Having free water in your pipes causes rust to form in the internal surfaces of iron piping — which mixes with dirt, water and lubricant to form a black sticky mess that can travel down steam and contaminate your tools […]

When cold weather hits, it can cause havoc with outdoor compressed air lines if the dew point of the air not adequate. Moisture will form if pipes are exposed to cold temperatures, and if conditions are below freezing ice will form and cause line blockages, restricting the compressed air flow and causing low pressure. Often […]